Schoharie County Picks Up State Grants

Senator James L. Seward today announced almost $1 million in economic development grants for Schoharie County and the Village of Middleburgh contained in a $5.56 million grant package announced by the governor.

Governor Pataki unveiled grants to help create jobs, provide affordable housing, and enhance public services in 14 communities in the Capital Region. The Governor's Office for Small Cities (GOSC) Community Development Program funding will support community projects in Albany, Columbia, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady and Schoharie counties.

"Small Cities funding allows us to promote our vision of building a better New York," Governor Pataki said. "Making smart investments in our smaller communities significantly improves the quality of life for New York residents. These projects are vital for future growth and development, creating jobs and opportunities for families in the Capital Region and across our state."

"The funding will be particularly for Schoharie County and Middleburgh," Senator James L. Seward said. "They put together excellent applications, and the funding will provide tangible economic benefits to the county."

Village of Middleburgh Mayor William McCabe said, "The Village of Middleburgh would like to thank the governor's office and our local businesses who helped us obtain this grant. The grant will be used to help continue the rebirth of our downtown area. It will help with economic, cosmetic and housing growth."

The Governor’s Office of Small Cities administers the community development grant program, providing small municipalities across New York funding for economic development projects, housing improvements and ownership opportunities, enhancements to public facilities and strategic planning.

A total of approximately $52 million in Small Cities Community Development grant funding was available this year to local communities. Since the program’s inception in 2000, GOSC has provided through a federal grant, over $300 million for various community development projects throughout the state.

Through GOSC’s Annual Competitive Round, towns, villages and cities may apply for a maximum award of $400,000 for a single purpose project, while counties and joint applicants may request up to $650,000.

SCHOHARIE COUNTY

County of Schoharie $400,000

Schoharie County seeks to assist local small businesses through its microenterprise loan fund. The County will utilize a $400,000 Small Cities grant to recapitalize this fund and will provide assistance to agricultural companies and entrepreneurs in village/hamlet areas throughout the county. Approximately 60 businesses will receive technical assistance and 10 to15 businesses will receive loans. Twenty-eight new jobs will be created.

Village of Middleburgh $555,000

A $555,000 Small Cities grant will assist the Village of Middleburgh with a comprehensive approach to addressing the housing, streetscape and microenterprise needs in a target area on River and Clauverwie Streets. Activities include the rehabilitation of 10 rental housing units occupied by 21 residents, the development of 5 new units of housing in a vacant area and assistance to 10 businesses. The project will create or retain 16 full-time and 23 part-time jobs.